01/07/2014  Shatin  Race 11

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that GOLDEN DEER had twisted its right front plate, resulting in damage to the hoof wall. As the farrier advised that there was insufficient hoof wall to replate GOLDEN DEER satisfactorily, the horse was withdrawn by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice. Before being allowed to race again, GOLDEN DEER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. G-ONE LEADER was checked on jumping when crowded for room between MASTER AETIUS and SPARKLING B which shifted in abruptly. SUNNY FAY shifted out at the start, resulting in DYNAMIC VOYAGE being taken out onto TONYBOY, causing both those horses to be crowded for room. After this, TONYBOY was ridden along, however, failed to muster speed. After being ridden along in the early stages, DYNAMIC VOYAGE proved very difficult to settle for a considerable distance approaching and passing the 1000 Metres and got its head up on a number of occasions. Near the 950 Metres, SUNNY FAY got its head up when proving difficult to settle. At the 400 Metres, WINFULL PATROL momentarily raced tight between CALLING WITH LOVE and MASTER SOMMELIER. C Reith (DYNAMIC VOYAGE) dropped his whip near the 200 Metres. Passing the 100 Metres, TONYBOY and DYNAMIC VOYAGE raced tight. B Prebble (CALLING WITH LOVE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 50 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of WINFULL PATROL, resulting in that horse being crowded for room and having to be checked after losing its rightful running between CALLING WITH LOVE and SUNNY FAY. MASTER SOMMELIER which was following, was checked away from the heels of WINFULL PATROL in consequence. B Prebble was suspended from riding in races to commence with immediate effect and to expire after the Sha Tin racemeeting on Sunday, 6 July 2014 (1 Hong Kong raceday). In addition, B Prebble was fined $35,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating 1 further raceday. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration Jockey Prebble’s good race riding record during the current racing season. Near the 50 Metres, G-ONE LEADER, which was finishing off the race strongly, was checked away from the heels of DYNAMIC VOYAGE which shifted out after being bumped by TONYBOY. Approaching the winning post, DYNAMIC VOYAGE and NAUGHTY BABY bumped. When questioned, J Moreira (MASTER SOMMELIER) stated that he had been given two sets of instructions. He said he was told that if MASTER SOMMELIER began well, he should attempt to obtain a forward position, if not, to try and position MASTER SOMMELIER with cover if possible. He said it was felt that there was good speed in the race and that MASTER SOMMELIER would have to jump very well to be able to cross runners to its inside and race near the lead. He said when MASTER SOMMELIER was slow to begin, he shifted the horse across behind runners with a view to obtaining cover. He said however that after the 1000 Metres MASTER SOMMELIER was left racing in a midfield position without cover and when the horse commenced to prove difficult to settle, he allowed it to stride into a forward position, however, it continued to race three wide and without cover for the remainder of the event. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SPARKLING B, T Berry stated that his mount did not travel comfortably at any stage of the race. He said it had been hoped that SPARKLING B may be able to obtain a midfield position, however, despite being ridden along, SPARKLING B was obliged to race further back in the field than had been intended. He said SPARKLING B did not travel well at any stage despite being placed under pressure throughout. He added the only excuse he could offer for SPARKLING B’s performance was that it may not have backed up after its last start success on 22 June 2014. A veterinary inspection of SPARKLING B immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of MULTIEXPRESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SUNNY FAY and CALLING WITH LOVE were sent for sampling.